Group Clash During Bullock Festival At Odisha’s Bhuban, Houses Vandalised

Dhenkanal: Tension prevailed at Bhuban block of Dhenkanal district on Sunday after a clash broke out between two localities during the age-old bullock festival here.

The clash erupted between the locals of Ara Sahi and Harijan Sahi this morning following a dispute over ‘Pana Lagi’ ritual of goddess Durga on Saturday night.

According to available information, the agitators threw stones on each other and ransacked houses and other properties.

On being informed, a police team reached the spot and attempted to pacify the villagers. The cops, however, had to resort to lathicharge to disperse the agitators after the situation went out of control.

“Several persons were injured and houses ransacked during the violent clash. Timely intervention of police saved lives of hundreds of people,” a local said.

Additional SP (Dhenkanal) Harekrushna Pradhan said, “Adequate police personnel have been deployed at the spot to prevent further escalation of tension. The situation is under control now.”

Over the years, people from different parts of the district and other parts of the state come to Bhuban to witness the festival in which bullocks take rounds across the village and lead the idol immersion ceremony, Pradhan added.